'Spamalot' brings 'Holy Grail' humor to a new audience

With swallows carrying coconuts, giant wooden rabbits, and mere flesh wounds, an irreverent helping of “Spamalot” is being served at the Mahalia Jackson.

Scott Suchman

“Spamalot” is, as the title says, “lovingly ripped off” from the cult British film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Based on Arthurian legend, the musical comedy follows Arthur, king of the Britons, as he assembles his famous Knights of the (very, very, very) Round Table. With the help of his misfit group and the spotlight-loving Lady of the Lake, Arthur begins his God-sent journey to find the legendary Holy Grail.

Monty Python alum and “Holy Grail” co-writer Eric Idle brings a fresh and theatrical cognizance to the book and lyrics of “Spamalot,” aided with music by John Du Perez. The story is more or less the same as the film, but the humor as been altered a bit from a film parody to a musical-theater parody. This theater-specific humor gives the show a mock-Epic style that maintains the light and irreverent trademark humor.

Die-hard Python fans may find the show to be a bit watered-down, but Idle captures the spirit of the film and translates it to an entirely new audience. “Spamalot” embraces its new home on stage with jokes at Andrew Lloyd Weber's expense and musical numbers such as “The Song That Goes Like This,” which mocks the love ballad that no musical can go without, and “The Diva's Lament,” in which the Lady of the Lake sings a rousing number complaining about her lack of stage time.

However, “Spamalot” does succeed in marrying tongue-in-cheek songs with some pretty fantastic show-stoppers. Songs like “Find Your Grail” and “I'm All Alone,” while still funny, carry some weight and, played differently, could blend easily into a dramatic musical.

Casey Nicholaw's choreography, with some touring-specific alterations by Scott Taylor, means business. Once the talented casts starts dancing, it's easy to see that “Spamalot” isn't just an excuse to stand on stage and tell Holy Grail jokes; it's bona fide Broadway spectacle.

The actors do a fine job of capturing the spirit of "Holy Grail" -- Caroline Bowman's the Lady of the Lake is a standout -- but the fun of “Spamalot” extends into the audience, as theater patrons become involved in the search for the grail. At Tuesday's premiere, the cast even threw out some “Who Dat” humor, to uproarious applause.

Tim Hatley's scenic design, with adjustments by James Kronzer, moves well from Broadway to Big Easy. Hatley also has a blast with costumes, creating vibrant and rich side characters that add that Broadway-flair to the story. The lavish settings play wonderfully with a brilliant technicolor light display by designer Mike Baldassair and projections by Elaine McCarthy in the animation style of the film.

This musical adaptation plays well to both the experienced Python fan and the newbie. With great music, dancing, and that trademark humor, “Spamalot” is dazzling entertainment and great fun.

MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT

What: The national tour of “Monty Python's Spamalot” at the Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Theater is a musical adaptation of the cult comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” This parody follows King Arthur in his search for the legendary artifact as he maneuvers odd characters and the world of musical theater.

When: Now through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Theater, 1419 Basin St.

Tickets: Starting at $38, tickets range in price depending on performance date and seating. Call 287.0351 or visit mahaliajacksontheater.com for more information.